Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang officially swore in 15 newly elected Local Government Area (LGA) chairmen in Jos, following elections conducted earlier in the week by the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC).
Hailing the transparency and credibility of the electoral process, Governor Mutfwang assured that the results for the remaining two LGAs would be disclosed once all legal prerequisites are fulfilled.
In his address, Mutfwang congratulated the new chairmen and expressed pride in PLASIEC’s commitment to upholding the integrity of the elections.
He reflected on his dedication to ensuring fair voting practices.
He stated,”I made a solemn pledge that we were going to exorcise and cast away the demons of bad elections on the Plateau. I am proud to say that PLASIEC has made us proud. They have done well, proven their mettle, and conducted a truly free and fair election, building upon the legacy our father left in 2014.”
“I can confidently say that election was not rigged. Today, we are here again, and even the Devil and the Council of Hell know that this election was free and fair”.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to local government autonomy, which he considers crucial for development.
“I am a strong advocate and supporter of local government autonomy. Even the transition chairmen can confirm that while they were in office, we allowed local government funds to flow directly to them,” he emphasized.
Additionally, Mutfwang clarified that autonomy for local governments does not equate to independence from the state government; rather, it serves to ensure their effective functioning and to bring governance closer to the citizens.
He called upon the newly inaugurated chairmen to collaborate with his administration for the advancement of Plateau State, assuring them, “I can assure the people of Plateau State that we will not allow the local governments to be shortchanged. Autonomy does not mean independence; it simply means you should be allowed to function effectively.”
In further efforts to enhance performance, he mentioned plans to implement a peer-review mechanism designed to challenge the chairmen to excel, thereby ensuring local governments can fulfill their mandates.
The governor expressed gratitude to the citizens of Plateau State, the security forces, and various stakeholders who contributed to the success of the peaceful elections.
He urged those who felt aggrieved by the process to seek resolution through legal avenues and reassured the public of his administration’s ongoing commitment to improving governance and delivering on its promises.